Committed to Growth. [Every $1 billion of U.S. agricultural exports supports up to 8,000 American jobs]

Transcription

1 Committed to Growth EXTENDING THE INTERNATIONAL REACH OF U.S. FOOD EXPORTERS [Every $1 billion of U.S. agricultural exports supports up to 8,000 American jobs] Food Export Association of the Midwest USA 2009 Annual Report

2 Who is Food Export Association of the Midwest USA? Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export Midwest) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the Midwest region of the United States. The organization has been helping exporters of midwestern food and agricultural products sell their products overseas since 1969, when it was created as a cooperative effort between 12 midwestern state agricultural promotion agencies and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. Food Export Midwest, in conjunction with its member states, provides a wide range of services to facilitate trade between local food suppliers and importers around the world. The Midwest is one of the world s leading food-producing areas. Midwestern farmers harvest grain, as well as oil seeds, fruits and vegetables, beans, livestock and dairy products. Consequently, the Midwest is home to thousands of companies who provide consumers around the globe with high quality value-added, processed food and agricultural products. FOOD EXPORT MIDWEST STAFF Tim Hamilton Executive Director Michelle Rogowski Deputy Director Robert Lowe, CPA Financial Manager Teresa Miller International Marketing Program Manager Barbara Tieder Communications Manager Joe Yotti Branded Program Manager Brandon Davis International Marketing Program Coordinator Brandy Erwin Business Development Assistant Jake Moy IT Administrator Jasmine D. Scott Communications Coordinator Vanessa Simsick Program Coordinator Communications Nina Smith Accounting/Human Resources Coordinator Will Smith International Marketing Program Coordinator and EMRS Administrator Veronica Wade Branded Program Assistant Lisa Yu Administrative Assistant Cover statistic: USDA, Economic Research Service

3 2009 was a tough year by any measure. A year ago, the U.S. economy was shrinking and the U.S. was working to limit the effects of the country s recession. Despite those difficult times, there was one segment of the economy that continued to move forward: U.S. food exports. Last year, U.S. food and agricultural producers exported $100 billion in agricultural goods. Greg Ibach President, Food Export Midwest Director, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Due to consistently strong demand for U.S. food exports, producers can expand globally while hiring locally. As exports rise, more U.S. producers source additional products and local farmers increase their production, thus stimulating the economy. Exports support almost 1 million rural and urban American jobs, including agricultural processing work that cannot be outsourced to other countries. 20 percent of all employment in America s manufacturing sector relies on exports. In addition, reports indicate that small businesses create 70 percent of the new workforce in America. These facts help to demonstrate that exporting is a crucial component to improving the U.S. economy. The success of food exports in 2009 can be attributed in part to support provided by the Market Access Program (MAP). MAP aids in the creation, expansion, and maintenance of foreign markets for U.S. agricultural valued-added, processed products. With the continued support of MAP funding, U.S. companies can continue to generate a positive economic impact through the creation of jobs. Tim Hamilton Executive Director, Food Export Midwest This year s annual report focuses on the many successes of the U.S. companies that the Food Export Association of the Midwest USA assists in promoting their products abroad. These companies successes highlight the important contribution their food and agricultural exports make in helping small businesses to grow. A direct result of this growth is the development of economic partnerships, the rise of America s workforce numbers and global prosperity for U.S. companies. Sincerely, Greg Ibach President, Food Export Midwest Director, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Tim Hamilton Executive Director, Food Export Midwest 6 1

4 Exporter Education Entering the export market takes know-how. Food Export Midwest s Exporter Education programs provide information and education in a variety of formats. This includes a helpline, printed materials, seminars, webinars, and online resources to improve the awareness of Midwest companies about exporting opportunities. 136 FOOD EXPORT HELPLINE $1Million TM PARTICIPANTS REPORTED OVER IN $6Million INCREASED EXPORT SALES. THESE SAME PARTICIPANTS REPORTED OVER IN PROJECTED EXPORT SALES IN MARKETS WORLDWIDE 311 EXPORTER EDUCATION PARTICIPANTS FOOD EXPORT HELPLINE TM We offer companies specialized, oneon-one assistance on a wide variety of export-related topics to help them learn the basics and crucial components of exporting. This service helps both the novice and experienced exporter by answering questions, providing insights needed to succeed, advice and helps in identifying the top export markets for their product(s). EXPORT ESSENTIALS ONLINE This Food Export Midwest service is an educational introduction to the fundamentals and logistics of exporting. Each section tackles an important subject and provides detailed information to assist in answering questions about exporting. 2

5 GLOBAL FOOD MARKETER TM We produce this print newsletter and e-bulletin which contain new and useful information about upcoming activities, export basics, industry news, and exporting opportunities abroad. EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND WEBINARS Staff members from Food Export Midwest as well as their network of international marketing representatives, share their extensive experience and expertise in seminars held throughout the year in various locations. Our webinars offer a quick and easy way for U.S. companies to gain insight into exporting as well as how Food Export Midwest s programs and services can assist their exporting efforts. These seminars and webinars are designed to help companies new-to-exporting as well as experienced exporters learn about the export process and the resources available to assist with expanding their food and agricultural business. MARKET DIVERSIFICATION OFFERS THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN PRODUCTION YEAR-ROUND. OHIO COMPANY MAKES FIRST-TIME EXPORT SALE TO PHILIPPINES WITH FOOD EXPORT HELPLINE TM ASSISTANCE Nutra Source Trading Co., LLC, located in Columbus, Ohio was brand new to exporting. Melissa Fata, Owner, used Food Export Midwest s Food Export Helpline TM to get started. The Food Export Helpline TM ensured that I was prepared to meet with buyers by helping me locate harmonized codes for our products, providing market research on the top markets for our products and helping me understand the various INCOTERMS (International Commercial Terms) and how important it is to use the correct terms for any international sales contracts. I was also given contact information for the overseas USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service offices. As a result of the assistance, the company was able to connect with a buyer in the Philippines through the USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service office and make a first-time export sale valued at $11,500. They are hopeful this will become a monthly shipment. Nutra Source Trading Co., LLC is an export provider of natural, organic foods and nutraceuticals from the U.S. 3

6 Market Entry Getting established in a new market takes expertise. Our Market Entry services offer U.S. companies the opportunity to find the right markets for their products and reach the right buyers and importers. $44 PARTICIPANTS IN 12 BUYERS MISSIONS Million REPORTED OVER $48 Million IN PROJECTED EXPORT SALES IN MARKETS WORLDWIDE IN INCREASED EXPORT SALES. THESE SAME PARTICIPANTS REPORTED OVER $9Million PARTICIPANTS IN 9 FOOD SHOW PLUS! TM ACTIVITIES REPORTED OVER $62Million IN INCREASED EXPORT SALES. THESE SAME PARTICIPANTS REPORTED OVER IN PROJECTED EXPORT SALES IN MARKETS WORLDWIDE 23 $36Thousand MARKET BUILDER PARTICIPANTS REPORTED $1Million IN INCREASED EXPORT SALES AND OVER IN PROJECTED EXPORT SALES IN MARKETS WORLDWIDE $24Million PARTICIPANTS IN 10 FOCUSED TRADE MISSIONS REPORTED OVER 309 MARKET ENTRY PARTICIPANTS MARKET BUILDER This Food Export Midwest service provides customized, in-market research to help a company determine if a market is right for their product. The service s components: Market Scan and Rep Finder, enable exporters to assess their product s export potential, leading to meeting with potential customers or distributors arranged by our in-market representative. BUYERS MISSIONS Every year, often in conjunction with a U.S. tradeshow, we bring delegations of international buyers to the U.S. to have one-on-one meetings with suppliers of U.S. products. These companies have the opportunity introduce their products to potential customers. The missions also provide an economical way for new-to-export suppliers to build overseas relationships and get live feedback about their products export potential without the time and expense of international travel. $49Million IN INCREASED EXPORT SALES. THESE SAME PARTICIPANTS REPORTED OVER IN PROJECTED EXPORT SALES IN MARKETS WORLDWIDE 4

7 FOOD SHOW PLUS! TM Food Export Midwest s tradeshow enhancement service prepares companies for and maximizes their international tradeshow experience. Services are customized for each show but may include pre-show feedback on competitive products, targeted appointments with qualified buyers, translation of exhibitor material, onsite food industry interpreters, site visits to local retailers, in-market seminars and follow-up assistance after the show. FOCUSED TRADE MISSIONS Our Trade Missions bring U.S. suppliers to a country to meet with foreign buyers and learn about the market. The missions can include a market analysis of your product prior to a visit, an in-market briefing, tours of supermarkets and food service providers, buyer meetings, product showcases, assistance with lead follow-up, and a networking reception. ONLINE PRODUCT CATALOG We host this online tool which provides U.S. exporters with a valuable opportunity to visually showcase their products to foreign buyers around the world. It allows foreign buyers to easily find Midwest suppliers and products that will meet their needs. By including products in this virtual directory, suppliers can be found when buyers search by product, company name, or other criteria. EXPORTS HELP DIVERSIFY THE U.S. ECONOMY. POPCORN COMPANY EXPANDS ITS EXPORT SALES WITH OUR EXPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Thatcher s Gourmet Specialties, Inc., of North Loup, Nebraska attended our Specialty Foods Buyers Mission at the Summer Fancy Foods Show in New York where they met a buyer from Canada. The company has since made export sales to this buyer totaling over $100,000. They ve also used our Branded Program to exhibit at tradeshows for the last two years. They exhibited at the Japan Self Service Association tradeshow in Tokyo. Three weeks later, Thatcher s made an export sale of their popcorn to a buyer they met at the show worth $24,000. The company projected sales to both buyers would increase their export sales an additional 15%. Both sales have prompted Thatcher s to hire 14 more staff members. According to Gus Ghassan, President of Thatcher s, Food Export Midwest s programs and services are excellent. The financial assistance encourages small businesses to market their products globally helping to grow the U.S. economy. Thatcher s Gourmet Specialties, Inc. was founded in 1983 and produces a wide variety of gourmet popcorn. Flavors include: Caramel Corn, Caramel & Nuts, and Fat Free Caramel, Sugar Free Caramel, Chocolate Drizzled Caramel, White Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeño, Sour Cream & Onion, Cinnamon Toast, Cookies n Cream and more. 5

8 Market Promotion Once a company is established in an export market, our Market Promotion programs are available to help U.S. exporters increase sales by offering financial and promotional support to help create international awareness of products made in the U.S.A. 188 BRANDED PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS BRANDED PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS REPORTED OVER $55Million IN ACTUAL SALES. THESE SAME PARTICIPANTS REPORTED OVER $117Million IN PROJECTED EXPORT SALES IN MARKETS WORLDWIDE BRANDED PROGRAM Each year, Food Export Midwest administers the Branded Program which provides U.S. companies the opportunity to stretch their international marketing dollars. The program offers 50% cost-share reimbursement for a wide variety of international marketing activities including: Package and label modifications Advertising IN-STORE PROMOTION PARTICIPANTS REPORTED OVER $4Million IN INCREASED EXPORT SALES In-store promotions and product demonstrations Fees for exhibiting at overseas tradeshows and selected tradeshows held in the U.S. Public relations Marketing and point-of-sale materials Freight cost for samples (Only small companies, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and agricultural producer cooperatives are eligible to participate.) 6

9 IN-STORE PROMOTIONS Food Export Midwest sponsors activities to help suppliers promote their products overseas and expand the distribution of existing products in foreign markets. These activities include promotional displays and product demonstrations in international supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels that feature U.S.-made, processed foods and agricultural products. 97% OF U.S. EXPORTERS ARE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES WITH LESS THAN 500 EMPLOYEES. BRANDED PROGRAM HELPS MINNESOTA COMPANY EXPORT TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND RUSSIA Fiberstar, headquartered in Willmar, Minnesota, used Food Export Midwest s Branded Program to help offset the cost of participating in the Gulfood tradeshow in Dubai, UAE. According to Nick Kovalenko, Director of International Marketing, Thanks to cost-share assistance through the Branded Program, we were able to participate in many international tradeshows. Through contacts made at the Gulfood show, as well as through the technical assistance provided to the distributors in the area, in the first quarter of 2009 they received an order from a buyer in Turkey for $20,000 and another order from a buyer in Jordan for $50,000. The company also used Branded Program funds to market their food ingredients that naturally enhance food freshness and nutrition to Russia. After several months of close work with the Russian distributor and extensive product exposure through joint advertising, early in 2009 they landed their first-time export sale to Russia for $50,000. To keep pace with increased demand for their products, Fiberstar moved to a larger facility and hired two new employees. Fiberstar produces an all-natural functional food ingredient made from citrus pulp, called Citri-Fi. Their product is specially suited for adding moistness, controlling moisture migration, improving yields and reducing the cost of a wide variety of food products.. 7

10 8 State by State Success Stories NORTH DAKOTA Before joining Food Export Midwest s Branded Program, export sales for DAKOTA PRAIRIE ORGANIC FLOUR CO. of Harvey, accounted for only five percent of their total sales. Now they ve gained a market presence in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. As a result of their growing export sales combined with their domestic sales growth, the company recently expanded their facilities and expects to hire ten new employees in NEBRASKA The Branded Program has helped PREFERRED POPCORN, LLC, of Chapman break into several markets including Trinidad and Tobago, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, India and helped them increase their sales in Mexico. They are exporting to over 40 countries around the world. To keep pace with their increasing sales, Preferred Popcorn has tripled their workforce since 2004 and enlarged their warehouse by 24,000 square feet to accommodate the increase in orders. KANSAS CEREAL INGREDIENTS, INC., of Leavenworth, participated in our Focused Trade Mission to China for Food Ingredients. According to Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, Jim Thomasson, We received a great detail of information about the market and contacts made with a buyer yielded export sales of $42,000. In 2009, the company made sales to that buyer for $36,000. In addition, Cereal Ingredients, Inc. won the 2009 Exporter of the Year award which is one of Kansas top business honors. SOUTH DAKOTA THE WOODEN KNIFE COMPANY located in the city of Interior, listed its company in our Online Product Catalog to promote their products to international buyers around the world. By including their products in this virtual directory, over 400 buyers interested in U.S. products can easily locate and contact the company to inquire about its products. MINNESOTA Contacts made at Food Export Midwest s Focused Trade Mission to Northern Mexico resulted in a 3% increase in snack export sales to Mexico for SUNOPTA, INC. of Minnetonka. According to sales staff, The most beneficial element of the Trade Mission was the one-on-one buyer meetings, which introduced us to a sales region in Mexico that we had not fully penetrated yet. To accommodate this new sale, as well as other new sales contracts, SunOpta has expanded their operation, adding five additional employees. IOWA MIDAMAR CORPORATION of Cedar Rapids, used Branded Program funds to exhibit at the Gulfood tradeshow in Dubai, U.A.E. As a result of contacts made at the show, Midamar has sold product totaling $375,000 to Qatar, $250,000 to the UAE, $200,000 to Saudi Arabia and $400,000 to Kuwait. Export sales for the company have increased 55% in the past year. Thankfully, we started participating because we ve seen significant growth in our export sales. We built a new facility in 1992 and have added up to 10 employees to support our exports, said Timothy Hyatt. MISSOURI PAR-WAY TRYSON COMPANY of Saint Clair participated in a host of our Buyers Missions including the Food Ingredients Buyers Mission, the Food Service Buyers Mission, the Natural Products Expo West Buyers Mission and the Midwest Buyers Mission. Each event afforded the company the opportunity to meet oneon-one with pre-qualified buyers from over 20 countries interested in U.S. products. 6

11 WISCONSIN THE STONE GROUP of Green Bay has seen their export sales double each year since 2005 and attribute much of this growth to the contacts they ve made at Buyers Missions. As a result of attending the Midwest Buyers Mission, we made a first-time export sale of our cheese product to a buyer in China. As a result, they are happy to report that they are able to maintain their current workforce in spite of the economic downturn. MICHIGAN SELECT SOY, LLC, located in Grand Rapids began using our Branded Program to promote their products in Canada. As a result, they made multiple export sales to Canada resulting in an 18% increase in their export sales. According to Vice President, Peter Assaly, If we didn t have Branded Program support, exporting would be more difficult. It helps us stretch our marketing budget to do more marketing to consumers. Through these new accounts, we ve been able to secure additional customers. OHIO EAST-WEST INTERNATIONAL GROUP, located in Moreland Hills, attended our Korea Culinary Camp for Food Service Products where the company met with foreign buyers and learned about the market and their exporting opportunities. As a result of a new contact we made through the Korea Culinary Camp, we signed a $1 million/year contract to sell tortilla chips to a buyer in Korea. The new sales growth will enable us to add 1-2 additional employees and source more U.S. bulk goods, explained President Dr. Jiunn-Der Wu. INDIANA 6 ILLINOIS DUTCH FARMS of Chicago participated in the Midwest Buyers Mission where they had the opportunity to meet oneon-one with international buyers and made a first-time export sale to Beijing, China. According to Mike Belica, Vice President of New Business Development, As a direct result of the Midwest Buyers Mission we landed an initial test shipment of 2,500 pounds of our cheese products valued at $2,700. We anticipate this sale to become a monthly shipment of 40,000 pounds of our products valued at $100,000. Buyers Missions are a very cost effective way for us to meet new foreign buyers right here in the U.S. added Belica. HEARTLAND SWEETENERS, of Carmel, increased their export sales in 2009 through new buyer contacts made at Food Export Midwest s Natural Products Expo West Buyers Mission. During the Mission, they met a buyer from Korea and landed an initial sale for $6,000 of their sweetener products. The company is hopeful that this will lead to future sales. Buyers Missions are a very good way to meet with multiple, qualified buyers from different countries in one location. For a small company with a limited marketing budget, these events are very worthwhile, said Tom Morgan, Director of International. 9

12 How U.S. Agricultural Exports Benefit U.S Employment The United States is the world s largest economy and the word s largest exporter and importer. Trade is critical to America s prosperity fueling economic growth, supporting good jobs at home, raising living standards and helping Americans provide for their families with affordable goods and services. Approximately 95 percent of the world s consumers live outside of the U.S. The growth markets are overseas. Not just for U.S. agriculture but for value-added exports and the jobs they create here at home jobs in production, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, finance, and other areas. Exports and the jobs they sustain have a multiplier effect throughout the U.S. economy. Office of the United States Trade Representative U.S. Department of Commerce Industry Outlook Food Manufacturing NAICS ESTIMATED NUMBER OF JOBS GENERATED BY U.S. AGRICULTURAL TRADE JOBS IN THOUSANDS 1, USDA, Economic Research Service using data from Agricultural Trade Multipliers

13 EXPORTS SUPPORT THE U.S. ECONOMY Exports help U.S. businesses diversify their market risk and offset lags in domestic demand. Exporting also gives companies the opportunity to expand their client base and take advantage of regional growth. The U.S. processed food industry is a major participant in the global economy. EXPORTS FACILITATE SECURITY Small and medium-sized firms account for the vast majority of growth in new exporters. Exporting helps small companies grow and become more competitive in their markets. U.S. MANUFACTURED EXPORTS SUPPORT 6,000,000 AMERICAN JOBS 8.5 % LESS LIKELY TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS COMPANIES THAT EXPORT ARE JOBS RELATED TO EXPORTS PAY 15 % MORE TRADE GENERATES $9,000 MORE IN PURCHASING POWER FOR THE AVERAGE AMERICAN FAMILY EXPORTS CREATE BETTER JOBS About one in every five factory jobs or 20 percent of all jobs in America s manufacturing sector depends on exports. Workers in jobs supported by merchandise exports typically receive wages higher than the national average. EXPORTS TRANSLATE INTO ECONOMIC PROSPERITY American families benefit from trade and open markets every day. Trade delivers a greater choice of goods everything from food and furniture to computers and cars at lower prices. US Commercial Service, United States Department of Commerce Export.gov. Benefits of Exporting 11

14 Food Export Association of the Midwest USA STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Period Ended December 31, 2009 REVENUE AND SUPPORT OPERATING FUNDS PROGRAM FUNDS TOTAL Federal Program Reimbursements $ 0 $ 10,567,933 $ 10,567,933 Industry Fees $ 696,525 $ 550,000 $ 1,246,525 State Membership Dues $ 120,000 $ 0 $ 120,000 Interest Income $ 14,851 $ 0 $ 14,851 Other Income $ 10 $ 0 $ 10 Total Revenue $ 831,386 $ 11,117,933 $11,949,319 EXPENSES OPERATING FUNDS PROGRAM FUNDS TOTAL Reimbursable Program Expenses $ 0 $ 10,567,933 $ 10,567,933 Personnel $ 323,590 $ 500,000 $ 823,590 Travel and Meetings $ 51,491 $ 0 $ 51,491 Professional Fees $ 102,766 $ 0 $ 102,766 Other General and Administrative $ 239,632 $ 50,000 $ 289,632 Total Expenses $ 717,479 $ 11,117,933 $11,835,412 Increase in Net Assets $ 113,907 $ 0 $ 113,907 Fund Balances, Beginning of Year $ 1,601,638 $ 0 $ 1,601,638 Fund Balances, End of Year $ 1,715,545 $ 0 $ 1,715,545 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Period Ended December 31, 2009 ASSETS OPERATING FUNDS PROGRAM FUNDS TOTAL Cash and Cash Equivalents...$ 45,673 $ 56,481 $ 102,154 Investments, at Fair Value...$ 983,997 $ 0 $ 983,997 Interfund accounts...$ 833,008 $ (833,008) $ 0 Receivables...$ 103,708 $ 1,609,267 $ 1,712,975 Furniture and Equipment (Net of Depreciation)...$ 23,903 $ 0 $ 23,903 Other Assets...$ 203,086 $ 0 $ 203,086 Total Assets...$ 2,193,375 $ 832,740 $ 3,026,115 LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES OPERATING FUNDS PROGRAM FUNDS TOTAL Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $ 297,564 $ 31,795 $ 329,359 Program Advances $ 0 $ 800,945 $ 800,945 Deferred Revenue $ 180,266 $ 0 $ 180,266 Total Liabilities...$ 477,830 $ 832,740 $ 1,310,570 Net Assets...$ 1,601,638 $ 0 $ 1,601,638 Unrestricted Fund Balance...$ 1,715,545 $ 0 $ 1,715,

15 2009 Program Results Food Export Midwest provides a broad range of programs and services designed to promote Midwestern food and agricultural products. Our dedication to developing agricultural product expansion into international markets is highlighted here. Actual increase in export sales $140,258,612 Projected increase in export sales $287,043,247 Number of U.S. companies participating in programs 1,142 Number of new U.S. companies participating in programs 255 Number of companies increasing sales by 20% or more 213 Number of companies with first-time export sale in a market 301 Number of new distributor relationships established 1,236 As U.S. companies continue to look for ways to expand their businesses, many are turning to Food Export Midwest to become successful exporters. In these challenging economic times, companies are seeing the benefits and growth opportunities that are possible through exporting. NUMBER OF U.S. COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN PROGRAMS 1,150 1,142 1, /2006* * Program year October 2005-December

16 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Greg Ibach, Director Nebraska Department of Agriculture VICE PRESIDENT Robert J. Boggs, Director Ohio Department of Agriculture SECRETARY/TREASURER Bill Northey, Secretary Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship MEMBER Jon Farris, Acting Secretary South Dakota Department of Agriculture Doug Goehring, Commissioner North Dakota Department of Agriculture Jon Hagler, Director Missouri Department of Agriculture Gene Hugoson, Commissioner Minnesota Department of Agriculture Thomas Jennings, Director Illinois Department of Agriculture Joe Kelsay, Director Indiana State Department of Agriculture Don Koivisto, Director Michigan Department of Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Bill Thornton, Secretary Kansas Department of Commerce STATE REGIONAL TRADE GROUPS (SRTGs) Food Export Midwest is one of four non-profit state regional trade groups (SRTGs) that promote the export of food and agricultural products from their respective regions of the United States. The SRTGs were first created as a cooperative effort between the State Agricultural Promotion Agencies and the United States Department of Agriculture s Foreign Agricultural Service. The SRTGs work in conjunction with their member states to provide a wide range of services to facilitate trade between local food companies and importers around the world. WUSATA FOOD EXPORT ASSOCIATION OF THE MIDWEST USA SUSTA FOOD EXPORT USA- NORTHEAST OTHER STATE REGIONAL TRADE GROUPS Food Export USA Northeast One Penn Center 1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 420 Philadelphia, PA USA T: F: The Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) 701 Poydras Street, Suite 3725 New Orleans, LA USA T: F: The Western U.S. Trade Association (WUSATA) 4601 NE 77th Avenue, Suite 240 Vancouver, WA USA T: F: Food Export Association of the Midwest USA 309 W. Washington Street Suite 600 Chicago, IL USA Fax: Food Export Midwest prohibits discrimination in employment and services. For persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication or those interested in our full non-discrimination policy, please contact us. Food Export Midwest administers many services through Market Access Program (MAP) funding from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.